LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension is over as the 36-year-old has been reinstated, after meeting with LSU and NCAA officials. Athletics director Joe Alleva says Wade answered all questions and denied any wrongdoing in connection with the reported allegations of recruiting violations. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says Wade could have possibly avoided the five-week long suspension
Cut 3 (09) “…he’s back.”
A St. Landry parish judge has denied bond for 21-year-old Holden Matthews, who is accused of burning down three historically black churches. Matthews had his first court appearance today since he was arrested on Wednesday nighton three arson charges. Prosecutors have also added three hate crime charges. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the hate crime charges are not that significant

Cut 13 (07) “…five years”

Two people are dead following the severe weather that impact Louisiana on Saturday.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Glenn Springfield says flooding has also resulted in infrastructure damage that leaves some roads closed today.  In West Monroe, Highway 546, which is one of the major state highways in that part of the parish, sustained a severe washout under the roadbed.
Cut 8 (10) “…of the road.”
The potential for more severe weather is in the forecast Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

The crawfish supply remains limited this season and experts cannot pin down an exact cause. A theory is the white spot virus, which is a fatal disease for mudbugs. LSU Ag Center Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz says white spot has become a bigger problem since it was first discovered in Louisiana ponds about 10 years ago.

Cut 11 (11)   “…harvested”
Lutz reiterated that the virus does not effect humans, or even fish, it’s restricted solely to crustaceans.

LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension is over as the 36-year-old has been reinstated, after meeting with LSU and NCAA officials. Athletics director Joe Alleva says Wade answered all questions and denied any wrongdoing in connection with the reported allegations of recruiting violations. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says Wade returns to a team that looks much different than the one that just won the SEC regular season championship. Five players have declared for the NBA draft, but have the option of returning to LSU. Wade also needs to build up a recruiting class that’s rated near the bottom in the SEC…
Cut 5 (09) “…April 20th”
A federal appeals court rules a judge was right when he cleared the way to remove a Confederate monument at the Caddo Parish Courthouse.   The 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals turned back claims from the United Daughters of the Confederacy who said it has a private property interest and says officials have violated rights to free speech and equal protection.

The severe weather that impact Louisiana on Saturday resulted in two deaths.  The first was a 13-year-old boy, who fell into a flooded drainage canal in West Monroe.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Glenn Springfield says a call came in around 10:15 PM of a vehicle being taken over by floodwaters on a rural road in Calhoun.  When first responders arrived, the vehicle was still underwater.
Cut 7 (06) “…of the vehicle.”
Deputies say the victim was identified as 80-year-old Patsy Meeks.
The crawfish supply remains limited this season and experts cannot pin down the exact cause of this year’s disappointing harvest so far. LSU Ag Center Aquaculture Specialist Greg Lutz says this late in the season we could be looking at a mixed bag when it comes to size and quantity of the crop.

Cut 9 (11) “…so long”

LSU has reinstated basketball coach Will Wade after a five-week long suspension. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Holden Matthews, the suspect in recent arson fires that destroyed three historical black churches in St. Landry Parish, has had his bond request denied, and is now facing three additional hate crime charges in addition to initial charges of three counts of arson of a religious building.  Matthews was apprehended on Wednesday.

The severe weather that impact Louisiana on Saturday resulted in two deaths.  The first was a 13-year-old boy, who fell into a flooded drainage canal in West Monroe.  Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Glenn Springfield says a call for help came just before 5 o’clock Saturday afternoon.
Cut 6 (04) “…he fell in.”
The investigation is ongoing as to why he fell into the water.  The second victim died when floodwaters overtook a vehicle she was driving.

The U-S House passed Violence Against Women Act has an uncertain future in the Republican Controlled Senate. The NRA opposes the legislation because it would lower the threshold for banning gun ownership to those with misdemeanor convictions of domestic abuse or stalking, among other concerns. Current law only applies to felonies. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves believes that provision may infringe on the constitution…
Cut 14 (12) “…rights.”

Will Wade is back as LSU basketball’s head coach after the formerly suspended 36-year-old met with NCAA and LSU officials Friday to discuss allegations of recruiting violations. Athletics director Joe Alleva says Wade answered all questions and denied any wrongdoing, and says his explanations, absent actual evidence of misconduct, satisfy his contractual obligation to LSU. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says LSU’s compliance department could not find any wrongdoing.
Cut 4 (09) “…get him back”
five players from Wade’s SEC winning team will likely be gone next year after declaring for the NBA draft.
The man accused of burning down three historically black churches in St. Landry parish has had his bond request denied, and is now facing three additional hate crime charges. According to a Daily Beast report on his Facebook activity, 21-year-old Holden Matthews expressed interest in a Scandinavian neo-nazi metal musician who was convicted in the 90s for church burnings and a murder.
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Former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming is a month into his new job as the assistant secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Fleming says because the U-S EDA serves areas impacted by disasters, as well as economically distressed communities, he can serve the Bayou State…
Cut 7 (12) “…help Louisiana.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries’ service has listed the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s (BROO-dus) whale as endangered. NOAA estimates there are less than 100 Bryde’s whales in the Gulf but Marine Mammal Biologist Laura Engleby says the whales live in a restricted area of the gulf and the many human threats make it hard for the whale population to thrive…
Cut 12 (08) “…things like that.”
Now that the listing has been announced, they plan on developing a recovery plan for the whales.

LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s suspension is over as the 36-year-old has been reinstated, after meeting with LSU and NCAA officials. Athletics director Joe Alleva says Wade answered all questions and denied any wrongdoing in connection with recently reported allegations of recruiting violations. Tiger Rag Assistant editor Tyler Nunez says Wade could have possibly avoided the five-week long suspension

Cut 3 (10) “…severe tornadoes.”

Alleva also says Wade’s explanations and clarifications offered during the meeting, absent actual evidence of misconduct, satisfy his contractual obligation to LSU.

Holden Matthews, the suspect in three recent arson fires that destroyed three historical black churches in St. Landry Parish is scheduled for a bond hearing this morning before District Judge James Doherty. Matthews was apprehended on Wednesday, charged with three counts of arson of a religious building.

D.C. lawmakers are tangling over the Violence Against Women Act as it heads to the Senate after clearing the House 263 to 158, on a mostly party line vote. Sexual Trauma Awareness Response President Racheal Herbert says the lower legal requirements to ban gun ownership are vital, because it’s tough enough already to get any penalties for abusers.

Cut 15 (12) “…charged”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries’ service has listed the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s (BROO-dus) whale as endangered. NOAA estimates there are less than 100 Bryde’s whales in the Gulf but Marine Mammal Biologist Laura Engleby says the latest survey shows the population could be less than half of that…

Cut 10 (12) “…best case scenario.”

Death row exoneree Shareef Cousin is teaming up with the ACLU of Louisiana and LA Repeal in an effort to persuade lawmakers to repeal the death penalty.

 Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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The Bryde’s (BROO-dus) whale in the Gulf of Mexico is now listed as an endangered species. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”  

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 The Violence Against Women Act re-authorization could be bogged down in the Senate after House Democrats passed a version that prohibiting gun ownership for those with misdemeanor convictions of domestic abuse or stalking. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Lawmakers will once again consider repealing Louisiana’s death penalty. The effort is being backed by the ACLU of Louisiana and LA Repeal. Shareef Cousin spent three years on death row in Louisiana for a crime that occurred in the 90s before having his name cleared. Cousin says his message for lawmakers is simple.

Cut 4 (10) “…that is flawed.”

Cousin says he is just one of many who has been released from death row and says even all these years later, his time in prison still haunts him.

Cut 5 (10) “…mental health disorders.”

President of the ACLU of Louisiana Alanah Odoms Hebert believes the support for the repeal is becoming stronger.

Cut 6 (12) “…state for repeal.”

There are two bills filed for this legislative session that seek to repeal the death penalty, one by Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor and New Iberia Representative Terry Landry. Louisiana’s Attorney General Jeff Landry is expected to oppose any effort to get rid of the death penalty.

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Former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming is a month into his new job as the assistant secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Fleming says because the U-S EDA serves areas impacted by disasters, as well as economically distressed communities, he can still serve the Bayou State…

Cut 7 (12) “…help Louisiana.”

Fleming served as a U.S. Representative for four terms in Louisiana’s 4^th congressional district from January 2009 to January 2017.

Fleming says while groups like the Cajun Navy provide immediate relief to disaster areas his position at the EDA is focused on long term recovery…

Cut 8 (11) “…same areas.”

Fleming says he’s excited about a relatively new provision in the law that can allow for private dollars to benefit distressed communities in Louisiana and the rest of the country. It’s known as Opportunity Zones. He says the process starts with federal funds, matched by local dollars and then can be multiplied by private investment…

Cut 9 (12) “…of that.″

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries’ service has listed the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s (BROO-dus) whale as endangered. NOAA estimates there are less than 100 Bryde’s whales in the Gulf but Marine Mammal Biologist Laura Engleby says the latest survey shows the population could be less than half of that…

Cut 10 (12) “…best case scenario.”

The whales are the only known resident baleen whales in the Gulf of Mexico.

Engleby says if the population continues to shrink it will be hard to track because of the size of the Gulf…

Cut 11 (09) “…ashore.”

Engleby says the whales live in a restricted area of the gulf and the many human threats make it hard for the whale population to thrive…

Cut 12 (08) “…things like that.”

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D.C. lawmakers are tangling over the Violence Against Women Act as it heads to the Senate after clearing the House 263 to 158, on a mostly party line vote.

Congressman Garret Graves says he voted against the legislation because it included over 200 pages of proposals that were not vetted before the bill was voted on…

Cut 13 (11) “…scrutiny”

Republicans have presented an unaltered version of the bill for short-term renewal.

The NRA called for “No” votes on the bill because it would lower the threshold for banning gun ownership to those with misdemeanor convictions of domestic abuse or stalking, among other concerns. Current law only applies to felonies. Graves says he’s concerned that provision may have infringed on due process.

Cut 14 (12) “…rights.”

He did add that it’s a proposal worth considering though, given research that indicates a link between domestic abuse and gun violence.

But Sexual Trauma Awareness Response President Racheal Herbert says the lower legal requirements to ban gun ownership are vital, because it’s tough enough already to get any penalties for abusers.

Cut 15 (12) “…charged”

The new, House passed version also allocates about a billion dollars in funding to a range of programs.

Louisiana’s five Republican Congressmen all voted against the re-authorization, and Herbert says it was a partisan decision that neglected the fact that similar legislation was found success in the Louisiana Legislature.

Cut 16  (09) “…think.” 

33 House Republicans voted for the bill’s passage.

Severe weather risks are now rising in south Louisiana as a brutual line of weather is expected to begin slamming the state this afternoon, and much of north Louisiana is now under a severe thunderstorm watch until 3pm. State Climatologist Barry Keim says no matter where you are today, keep an eye on the weather…
Cut 5 (10) “…thunderstorms.”
The feds have awarded the Ports of New Orleans and Baton Rouge a 3.1 million dollar grant to get shipping containers off the roads and back onto the river. Congressman Garret Graves says as the global market shifts to the use of 40-foot containers, ports that do not have the capability to process the steel boxes will fall behind their competitors.
Cut 13 (11) “…with them”
The existing container on barge service moves about 16,800 40-foot equivalent units between Memphis/Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
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LSU President F. King Alexander says if sports betting is legalized in Louisiana, then LSU should get a cut of the revenue since a lot of the gambling will be on the Purple and Gold. But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says he’s committed to ensuring any revenue generated goes towards early childhood education subsidies for working and middle class families.He says giving a cut to LSU because of their athletics opens up a nasty can of worms.
Cut 10 (06) “…i’m doing.”
When electric scooter companies Bird and Lime placed their electric scooters in Lafayette, there were no ordinances in place to govern their use on the city’s streets. So Lafayette Senator Page Cortez has introduced a bill that provides regulations.
Cut 8 (10) “…third party companies.”
The scooters would be able to be operated on roads which have a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less.

The threat of severe rain and the possibility of tornadoes has increased for Baton Rouge and Lafayette, as a nasty weather system is set to impact pretty much all of the state later this afternoon. State Climatologist Barry Keim says expect a lot of water with these possibly damaging winds.
Cut 4 (10) “…severe weather.”
There’s a 10-15 percent chance of tornadoes in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas, with even higher chances of damaging winds as you move north past Alexandria and into Monroe.
LSU President F. King Alexander says if sports betting is legalized in Louisiana, then LSU should get a cut of the revenue since a lot of the gambling will be on the Purple and Gold. Alexander says it’s only right that a portion of the revenue should return to the individuals who will generate the revenue.
Cut 9 (12) “…about that”
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The Ports of New Orleans and Baton Rouge are getting a 3.1 million dollar grant that could reduce traffic congestion by getting more shipping trucks off the road. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
US Senator John Kennedy says President Trump is getting involved in the duplication of benefits dispute. Kennedy says he spoke with the President during a lunch meeting
Cut 15 (11) “…couple of weeks”

The eighth ranked LSU baseball team won a wild game last night beating Missouri 12 to 11 in 10 innings. Tigers starting pitcher Zach Hess had to leave in the first inning with a groin injury. Missouri scored six runs in that inning to take a six-three lead. LSU rallied for five runs in the third inning, three more in the fourth inning. But despite an 11-6 lead, Missouri tied the game. An Antoine Duplantis ground ball, scored Josh Smith from third base for the winning run. Brandt Broussard and Cade Beloso each drove in three runs. Todd Peterson was the winning pitcher, striking out five in three innings and Devin Fontenot earned the save, his third of the year.

Louisiana Tech extended its winning streak to nine games with a five to three win over Florida Atlantic. The nine straight victories is the longest in the country and the longest for a Bulldogs team since 2007. Matt Miller was the winning pitcher, while Mason Mallard homered and drove in three runs.
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LSU athletic director Joe Alleva and Will Wade met face-to-face on Friday for the first time since the head basketball coach was suspended. But after the meeting the school sent out a statement and said no decisions have been made about Wade’s future with the team.

Many analysts believe the Pelicans have made a strong hire as the NBA franchise has reportedly hired David Griffin as the team’s executive vice president of basketball operations.The 45-year-old was the G-M when the Cavaliers won the NBA championship in 2017 with LeBron James. His trade of Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota for All-Star forward Kevin Love was a key transaction.

Back to baseball…Appalachian State upended ULM three to two, South Alabama downed UL Lafayette nine to two, Southeastern Louisiana defeated Northwestern State five to three, UNO and McNeese split a doubleheader, Incarnate Word over Nicholls six to four, Southern was a winner over Arkansas Pine Bluff 10 to 4 and Grambling defeated Prairie View 7-4.

US Senator John Kennedy says President Trump is getting involved in the duplication of benefits dispute that’s impacted about 62-hundred 2016 flood victims who are unable to get federal recovery grant dollars, because they received an SBA loan. Kennedy says he spoke with the President during a lunch meeting

Cut 15 (11) “…couple of weeks”

There’s a big threat for severe weather on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says ingredients are in place for numerous thunderstorms, some of them could produce a significant severe weather event
Cut 3 (10) “…severe tornadoes.”

Central Louisiana is under an enhanced threat for severe weather, while south Louisiana is under a slight risk. Keim says flash flooding is also possible…

The feds have awarded the Ports of New Orleans and Baton Rouge a 3.1 million dollar grant to get shipping containers off the roads and back onto the river. Congressman Garret Graves says we’re seeing more 40-foot steel containers in shipping, and our ports just aren’t built to process enough of them, which means many of them end up on trucks…
Cut 12 (12) “…congestion”
The existing container on barge service moves about 16,800 40-foot equivalent units between Memphis/Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

When electric scooter companies Bird and Lime placed their electric scooters in Lafayette, there were no ordinances in place to govern their use on the city’s streets. So Lafayette Senator Page Cortez has introduced a bill that provides regulations.
Cut 8 (10) “…third party companies.”